Raymond M. Pocino – Commissioner and 50 year member of Laborers International Union of North AmericaRaymond M. Pocino – Commissioner and 50 year member of Laborers International Union of North America Credits: New Jersey Turnpike Authority Commissioners njta.com

"Whether one backs a toll hike or not, there can be no argument that the approval of the action - taken in what’s worse than the proverbial “dead-of-night” - is an outrageous slap in the face to the spirit of public hearing laws & the tax/tollpayers they are supposed to serve." Senator Declan O'Scanlon via Twitter

NEW JERSEY - This Tuesday, April 28th, Governor Murphy's New Jersey Turnpike Authority plans to consider a vote for a massive toll increase on roadways used daily by commuters. The hikes would see rates jump by 27 percent on the GSP and a hefty 36 percent on the Turnpike. That's only in year one. As of publication Sunday night, there is no posted agenda but the required public hearings have already been held online amid an outcry from the public. One voting member hails from Monmouth County.

The meeting notice was sent out on Friday April 24th. The public can call in and participate from home:

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PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act, N.J.S.A. 10:4-6 et seq., and in consideration of Executive Order No. 107 issued by Governor Murphy on March 21, 2020 directing all New Jersey residents to stay at home, the New Jersey Turnpike Authority hereby notifies the public that, to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public while ensuring the continued functioning of government, the meeting of the New Jersey Turnpike Authority previously advertised and scheduled for Tuesday April 28, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. at 1 Turnpike Plaza, Woodbridge, New Jersey will be held telephonically only and not in person. Members of the public who wish to attend telephonically, but not comment, may do so by calling 1-800-346-7359 Conference Entry Code: 487219 commencing at 9:00 a.m. Members of the public who wish to attend telephonically, and intend to comment during the public comment period, may do so by calling 1-800-346-7359 Conference Entry Code: 587723 commencing at 9:00 a.m. A non-public dial in number will be used by the Board of Commissioners for the executive session portion of the meeting that is closed to the public in accordance with the OPMA at N.J.S.A. 10:4-12b.

The New Jersey Turnpike Authority seeks to raise $525 million a year and create a major capital plan. According to NJTA Spokesman Thomas Feeney, the money will “fund a capital program that will sustain tens of thousands of jobs in the coming years and help maintain a transportation network that provides a competitive edge for New Jersey in the regional, national, and global economies. These are uncertain economic times. It’s important to move ahead with this process, and we’re confident that we can do it responsibly and transparently.“ said Feeney.

"Shameful", stated Jeff Tittle on the process. Tittel is the Director of the New Jersey Sierra Club. “This rogue and arrogant authority is out of control,” Tittle said in a statement. “They don’t care if people get sick, they just want to pave and widen their roads. This is a public be damned attitude. Instead of ‘let them eat cake’ they are saying ‘let them wear masks.’”

Governor Murphy heads the NJTA and if they vote for an increase, he can stop it simply by vetoing the minutes.

The New Jersey Turnpike Authority is state agency responsible for maintaining the New Jersey Turnpike and the Gardne State Parkway. The NJTA was created in 1949 to oversee construction and maintenance of the New Jersey Turnpike. In 2003, the authority assumed control of the Garden State Parkway, which had previously been maintained by an agency known as the New Jersey Highway Authority(NJHA). The New Jersey Turnpike Authority is governed by a Board of Commissioners The members of the commission, along with the chairman, are appointed by the Governor of New Jersey. The list at NJTA.com includes:

Members of the public who wish to attend telephonically, but not comment, may do so by calling 1-800-346-7359 Conference Entry Code: 487219 commencing at 9:00 a.m. Members of the public who wish to attend telephonically, and intend to comment during the public comment period, may do so by calling 1-800-346-7359 Conference Entry Code: 587723 commencing at 9:00 a.m. A non-public dial in number will be used by the Board of Commissioners for the executive session portion of the meeting that is closed to the public in accordance with the OPMA at N.J.S.A. 10:4-12b.

TRENTON, NJ — Gov. Phil Murphy on Friday said he intends to nominate Fabiana Pierre-Louis to the New Jersey Supreme Court — a historic move removing New Jersey from the list of 33 states without a black woman on their top courts.

“Justice cannot be blind if those who sit on our highest and most powerful bench are not surrounded by colleagues who encompass the full range of the American ...

TRENTON, NJ — Gov. Phil Murphy on Friday said he intends to nominate Fabiana Pierre-Louis to the ...

Today, June 6, 2020, is the 76th anniversary of D-Day, a day when we should all take time to remember and honor the men and women of our Armed forces who helped free a world from evil. The operations at Normandy were the beginning to the end of WWII.

Growing up, I was taught to honor and respect those that sacrificed so much to keep the world free from those that would impose their will, ...

Today, June 6, 2020, is the 76th anniversary of D-Day, a day when we should all take time to ...

SCOTCH PLAINS/FANWOOD, NJ -- Austin Holman is the coach of the Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School football team and a Randolph Alum. He sent this letter to his players, coaches, parents and supporters. With Coach Holman's permission, TAPinto has reprinted his thoughtful and moving letter offering his opinion.

Dear Raider Family:

I write this to you as the leader of the football community ...

SCOTCH PLAINS/FANWOOD, NJ -- Austin Holman is the coach of the Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School ...

NEW JERSEY - The New Jersey Department of Fish and Wildlife offers two free fishing days each year. Saturday, June 6 is one of those days for 2020. October 17 is the other. Saturday's Free Fishing Day coincides with National Fishing and Boating Week. The NJDFW offers the two free fishing days each year as a way to let families enjoy a no-risk day on the water trying out something new. It is also ...

NEW JERSEY - The New Jersey Department of Fish and Wildlife offers two free fishing days each year.

TRENTON, NJ -- Some good news for teenagers who have been patiently (and not so patiently) waiting to get their drivers licenses.

Gov. Phil Murphy and Chief Administrator Sue Fulton of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) on Friday announced plans for a phased reopening of MVC facilities to the public following closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The reopening will proceed in a ...

TRENTON, NJ -- Some good news for teenagers who have been patiently (and not so patiently) waiting ...

HOLMDEL, NJ - The New Jersey Superior Court just threw out a lawsuit that was filed by Holmdel Committee primary hopefuls Greg Buontempo and Ronald Emma. Their attorney was Thaddeus Maciag out of Mercer County.

The lawsuit was filed against the Co-Chair of the Monmouth County Republican Organization, Christine Hanlon. Hanlon serves as the Monmouth County Clerk and was sued in that ...

HOLMDEL, NJ - The New Jersey Superior Court just threw out a lawsuit that was filed by Holmdel ...

HAZLET, NJ: During the COVID-19 crisis, where visiting loved ones in care facilities has not been possible, Anchor Care and Rehabilitation Center since April, has provided a Visiting Tent, to keep residents safely connected to family.

Following pandemic guidelines, an enclosed tent was erected up against large windows of the care center. Comfortable seating was put in place on both ...

HAZLET, NJ: During the COVID-19 crisis, where visiting loved ones in care facilities has ...

New Jersey-- An estimated 1,500 people gathered, prayed, chanted, and displayed their outrage over George Floyd's death, but the crowd spoke the loudest when it said nothing at all for 8 minutes and 46 seconds. That is the amount of time that co-organizer Morghan Johnson asked the crowd to remain silent for, representing the amount of time a Minneapolis police officer kept his knee on ...

New Jersey-- An estimated 1,500 people gathered, prayed, chanted, and displayed their ...

RED BANK, NJ (June 4, 2020) – YMCA of Greater Monmouth County has joined forces with the Visiting Nurse Association of Central New Jersey’s Community Health Centers (VNACJ CHC) to offer COVID-19 testing at the Red Bank Family YMCA.

VNACJ CHC is now staffing drive-thru and walk-up, saliva-based testing at the Y for area residents concerned they may have been exposed to the ...

RED BANK, NJ (June 4, 2020) – YMCA of Greater Monmouth County has joined forces with the Visiting ...